Family life can include the joy of getting a first job, marrying, and watching children grow. It can also include the turmoil of job loss, disability, and the death of loved ones. One of the hardest aspects of my life is witnessing my father-in-law’s cognitive decline from vascular dementia. It’s…
At the time of our son’s birth, I was familiar with many of the physical malformations and cognitive limitations associated with Down syndrome (a short, stocky, intellectually impaired person with inarticulate speech quickly jumps to mind). However, I was shocked to learn of the plethora of serious…
So there I was, lying inclined on a birthing table in a hospital delivery room. I was baring down with the last hard push needed to deliver our baby. My husband was bedside, holding my hand. The doctor, seated in front of me, began guiding the baby safely out. "It's a boy!" the doctor announced. My…